2012 bmw 7-series Model Overview

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3 of 5

As the 2012 7 Series is BMW’s largest sedan, you might not expect it to live up to the brand’s “ultimate driving machine” slogan. Still, both luxury and performance seem to come naturally for the German automaker’s flagship car. Just as suited for those who like to be driven as it is for those who prefer to drive themselves, the 7 Series offers a spacious and luxurious backseat along with unexpected driving pleasure.

The car’s three available engines, including a 315-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, and 535-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12, contribute to its relative sportiness, as do its multi-link suspension and twin-tube shock absorbers with Dynamic Damping Control. The 7 Series takes lessons learned from the previous generation and tones its styling way down this time around. The look is conservative, and some might not appreciate its subtlety.

Inside, the 7 Series follows the same visual motifs as the rest of BMW’s lineup, with a simple line of trim pieces running horizontally along the dash. BMW’s iDrive interface returns, giving front seat passengers access to climate control and audio system functions, as well as the optional ConnectedDrive infotainment system all through a multifunction control knob.

Body style: Four-door sedan

Engines: 3.0L turbo I-6, 4.4L twin-turbo V-8, 6.0L twin-turbo V-12

Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic

Models: 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li

The 7 Series receives new standard equipment in 2012, including a rear back-up camera, sport steering wheel, and iPod/USB adaptor. In addition, models equipped with the twin-turbo V-8 get 19-inch wheels and a premium stereo system as standard. The M Sport package loses its Active Roll Stabilization system, while the Driver Assistance package adds side- and top-view camera angles for all models. BMW’s twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 continues to serve in the range-topping 760Li, producing 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque.

The design of the 7 Series is generally considered to be an improvement over the previous model, which polarized many with its sharp, abrupt lines. Here’s our assessment of the new car’s more shapely body: “The new, larger grille is better integrated into the nose, and the halo-headlights have their own “eyebrows.” The rear end seems sharper and better resolved than the old car’s…While the design is cleaner and more consistent, it will be just as controversial as the old car’s look.”

As the 7 Series is geared toward captains of industry, its interior is luxurious and reminiscent of a finely made business suit. Like any good suit, the fit is of utmost importance. And the 7 Series can conform to its driver like a glove. A pair of 20-way adjustable front seats wrapped in genuine Dakota leather (optional in the 740i) offer comfort and support to front seat occupants. High-gloss wood trim lines the cabin and accentuates the dash and door panels. Those riding in back won’t feel too left out though, as we said previously: “…rear passengers get three inches more legroom than those up front, and BMW even provides them a footrest. On top of that, the right-side rear passenger gets the ability to adjust the positioning of the front passenger seat. It’s this focus on the rear passengers that makes this more of a ‘be driven-in’ machine.”

The 7 Series is a competent performer for its size, and makes good use of each of its three available engines, which include a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 with 315 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque; a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 400 hp and 450 lb-ft; and a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 with 535 hp and 550 lb-ft. Acceleration and handling are both surprisingly strong with the 7 Series, and are especially noteworthy in the 760Li. Of that car, we said: “In terms of actual driving capability, BMW has clearly infused the latest-generation 7 Series with some voodoo magic, because a car this big has no business running neck-and-neck with the likes of the M5 at the test track. Yet that’s exactly what happened.” Still, the powertrain combination we’ve liked most is that of the 740i, as the lightweight (relative to the car’s other engine options) I-6 sitting atop the front axle makes the car an enjoyable drive.

All 7 Series models get eight standard airbags, including dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensors, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and a front and rear head protection system. In addition, an automatic crash response system cuts power from the battery, unlocks doors, and turns on hazard lights automatically in the event of a crash. All safety features are controlled by BMW’s Advanced Safety System. An ABS system along with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and a back-up camera comes standard.

2012 BMW 7-Series Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$71,000

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$33,300

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

2012 BMW 7-Series News and Reviews

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